Warner Robins Real Estate – Helpful Checklist for Selling Your Home

By John Cobb • December 16th, 2011

Warner Robins Real Estate – Helpful Checklist for Selling Your Home

Whether you are a novice or you have sold many homes – this information will help you make a smooth move.

The #1 question I’m asked by a home seller is: “What should I do to prepare to sell my home?”

Selling your home can be an overwhelming experience, so John and I have developed this list to help you plan and organize for your move.

[] Fix the small things: Walk through your home as if it were the first time. Do those doors creak? Do the walls look dingy or have small cracks in them? Do the cabinet doors slant or look dull in appearance? Could the carpet use a little refreshing? These are all things buyers will notice and could be easy, inexpensive fixes you could do yourself.

[] Inspections: buyers for your home will normally get an opportunity to hire a professional inspector; therefore, why not take the stress off of your shoulders of wondering what they will find. Hire your own professional inspector so you have no large surprises before closing.

[] Decide whether to hire a Real Estate agent or sell your home yourself: A REALTOR will take care of many details you may not want to be bothered with and will also bring valuable experience to the table. Also, a REALTOR can provide a market analysis for your home, free of charge.

[] Clean and Declutter: Most often, ‘less is more’. Remove any furniture, knickknacks or ‘stuff’ that you can possibly part with. You want each room of your home to look as open, airy and clean as possible. You want each prospective buyer to have the ability to imagine his or her belongings in your home. Febreze is a great product for keeping your home smelling fresh. Clean light fixtures so they sparkle when the light shines through. Clean baseboards and definitely don’t forget your exterior front door/entry way. Most of us do not even use our front doors (we come in through the garage/carport door) but buyers will come to your front door. Get rid of spider webs, dust, and pollen. Oh, and my personal favorite – Make sure there are no wasp nests hiding there to attack your buyers when approaching.

[] Stay on Top of it all: From the day you put your home on the market, stay determined to keep the exterior and interior of your property looking as great as it can.

*Keep lawn mowed/leaves racked

*Weed-free walk ways to front door

*Dirty laundry hidden, rooms picked up

Before showings:

*Put away valuables sitting out (jewelry, money)

*Fresh flowers and/or bowls of fruit add inviting touches

*Open window coverings for lots of light

*Keep pets out of sight

Kirsten Bailey, REALTOR